Ruth Eva (Crossen) Fontana, 99, of New Tripoli, died Saturday, January 28, 2012 in the home of her daughter, Mary Ellen Place.

Born in Watrous Corners, near Montrose, October 8, 1912, Ruth was the daughter of the late John M. and Marian “Mame” Louise (Jameson) Crossen. She grew up with her family on the Watrous Corners Farm. After graduating from Berea College, in Kentucky and earning a Master's Degree from Penn State University, Ruth was employed as a registered dietitian and was a member of the American Dietetic Association. She worked at the Robert Packer Hospital, in Sayre, West Deptford High School, in New Jersey and Ancora State Hospital, in New Jersey.

Ruth was a sweet, loving person who was devoted to her family and friends and will be greatly missed. She was passionate about gardening, music, art, education, politics, her pet dogs, sewing and quilting, traveling and of course, cooking and sharing wonderful meals.

Survivors: Daughters, Mary Ellen Place with whom she resided, Jean Fontana of San Francisco, California, and Carol Fontana of Prescott, Arizona; grandchildren Karen Place, Steven Place and Christopher Levintow; predeceased siblings, Helen Caskey, John D. Crossen and David Crossen.

Services: A Celebration of Life gathering in Ruth's honor and memory will be held in the spring in New Tripoli. No calling hours. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice and/or Berea College, both in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.